COVID-19 Information
Floyd County COVID-19 Hotline Ph#812-981-7610 / IND. Dept of Health Hotline Ph#877-826-0011
The Health Department supports all citizens of Floyd County wearing a mask when in public.
If you have difficulty finding masks or have a need for one, please come to the Floyd County Health Department, 1917 Bono Road, New Albany, IN 47150, Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Covid-19 and Flu Vaccine Clinic
Bivalent vaccine Update
The Floyd County Health Department [FCHD] has received information from the Indiana Department of Health [IDOH] that the Moderna Bivalent vaccine is in short supply due to a delay in production nationally. IDOH reports that no additional Moderna is expected to ship before the 29th of this month.
The FCHD has less than 100 doses of Moderna bivalent vaccine remaining.
After the supply is exhausted, the FCHD will substitute Pfizer until more Moderna is available. Currently, there is no shortage of Pfizer vaccine. The Center for Disease Control [CDC] and the Federal Drug Agency [FDA] have previously approved the safety and efficacy of mixing the mRNA vaccines.
The FCHD will continue to provide Walk-in Covid Bivalent immunization weekdays from 8am to 3:30pm. There will be a drive-in clinic at Indiana University Southeast Saturday, September 24th, 2022 from 10am to 2pm. Individuals can register for the drive-in clinic online at ourshot.in.gov.
The CDC strongly recommends the Bivalent booster for everyone over 12 who has had the primary series and not received a booster within 2 months. Please help us keep the rates of Covid low in our community by keeping your Covid immunity high.
Additionally, Flu shots are now available at the FCHD and many retail providers. There is early data from the Southern Hemisphere indicating that the Influenza outbreak may be more severe than usual this winter. Both influenza and Covid vaccination are recommended by healthcare authorities
For further information, please contact the FCHD at 812-948-4726.
Covid-19 Booster Clinic
https://vaccine.coronavirus.in.gov/en-US/
Booster Only (must be 2 months since your last Covid-19 vaccine)
Moderna: Ages 18 and up
Pfizer: Ages 12 and up
Covid BA.5 Update
Click here to view a message from the Floyd County Health Officer concerning Covid BA.5
CDC Covid-19 Tracker for Indiana - Floyd County classified as High Transmission Area
CDC's New Covid-19 Guidelines
The Floyd County Health Department endorses the CDC's new, Covid-19 guidelines (updated 8-11-22).
Click here to view the new CDC Guidelines
Children's Immunization Clinic
Our department will be offering multiple Children's Immunization Clinics for routine vaccines as well as Covid-19 vaccines. Please see the images below for more information.
Click here to schedule an Appointment
All clinics will be held at the Floyd County Health Department at 1917 Bono Road, New Albany IN 47150.
Pediatric Vaccine Information
Covid-19 vaccinations are now approved for children 6 months up to 5 years. Appointment can be scheduled at the link below.
Click here to schedule an appointment
Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. See below for dose information based upon age and vaccine brand.
Covid-19 Testing Location Moving
*Beginning on April 1st, 2022, our Covid-19 testing will be conducted at the Floyd County Health Department. We will be closing the testing site at the Floyd County 4H Fairgrounds. Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. Click on the button below to schedule an appointment.
PLEASE NOTE
Covid vaccine appointments may be scheduled online with Nursing Services by clicking the "schedule an appointment" button above.
Additionally, special walk-in Covid vaccine clinics are held Mondays and Thursdays, 9-12 and 1-3.
County Metrics
This graphic shows the county metric score calculated by the state based on the amount of Covid cases, which is partly based on positivity rate.
Indiana Health Department Announces Changes in Covid-19 School Guidance
2/18/22
INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Department of Health (IDOH) today announced changes in COVID-19 guidance for K-12 schools and childcare programs to reflect declining cases across the state. The department also will begin to reduce its COVID-19 response operations because there is less demand for testing and substantial availability of COVID-19 vaccines and treatment at health provider locations.
Click here for the full IDOH Press Release (pdf)
COVID-19 Testing Update
Anyone scheduled for our Covid-19 Testing site at 2818 Green Valley Rd will now have the option to receive a Rapid or PCR test, as we no longer have a shortage of supplies. If you need a Covid-19 test, you can sign up at www.coronavirus.in.gov.
Weekly Covid Status
Covid-19 Vaccines Schedule
Free at Home Covid Tests
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order free at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Order your tests now so you have them when you need them.
Click here to get your free at home Covid-19 tests
COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic
Covid-19 Vaccinations for Ages 5-11
11/03/2021
The CDC and FDA have approved the COVID vaccine for ages 5 – 11.
The Floyd County Health Department is announcing its initial clinic dates for this program.
There are two clinics at the Silver Street Park Gym, 2034 Silver Street, New Albany, Indiana
- Saturday, November 6 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Monday, November 15 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
There are two clinics at IUS in their University Center.
- Wednesday, November 10 from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
- Saturday, November 13 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
The Floyd County Health Department will be scheduling COVID vaccinations at its facility at 1917 Bono Road, New Albany, Indiana.
Please register at: ourshot.in.gov
COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters
Self-Testing Covid Information
09/08/21
Click here to view information on Self-Testing for Covid-19
Floyd County Health Department Executive Order Number 3-2021 Modified
08/06/21
After working with the Floyd County Commissioners, and with regard to the new SEA 5 statute, Executive Order 03 is modified.
The Floyd County Health Officer, Dr. Thomas Harris, MD is continuing to very strongly recommend that school agencies require the use of masks for in-school indoor education for grades K to 6. Masks are very strongly recommended for grades 7 to 12.
With this modification, each school system will be able to decide its course of action. The school systems will then report their decisions to the Health Department. The Floyd County Health Department stands ready to provide assistance and information in this process. The Centers for Disease Control, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Indiana State Department of Health all strongly support the use of masks for every in-classroom student.
The Delta Variant remains a significant threat to our community. It is 225% more infectious and has 1000 times the viral load of the original COVID-19 strain. At this time vaccine are not approved for children under 12 years old. Research also shows that the elementary age group clearly benefits from in-classroom instruction. Therefore, the public health response for this critical age depends on aggressive masking and mitigation measures to continue the best education modality for them.
This modification is also in accordance with the Governor’s Executive Order 21-19(4), issued 29 July 2021.
Thomas M. Harris, MD, FACEP
Floyd County Health Officer
812-948-4726
Choose Safer Activities
Pregnant Women Now Eligible to Receive Covid Vaccine
Pregnant women are now eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine and are strongly encouraged to do so.
Remember that K-12 staff and childcare workers are also now eligible to receive the vaccine.
Please register for the #COVID19 vaccine at http://ourshot.in.gov or by calling 211.
Floyd County Health Order Number 1-2021: Restaurant and Bar Restrictions
01/07/2021
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to plague our community. Moreover, we are seeing widespread community disease causing increased rates of illness. This week our county status has been changed to RED.
Click here for more information on this order
Covid-19 Vaccine Information
01/07/2021
Click here to download a PDF Version of this Flyer
Floyd County Health Order Number 6-2020: Face Covering Mandate Extension
December 30 2020
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to plague our community. However, we are seeing signs of improvement. Over 2300 Tier 1A citizens, mostly Health Care Workers, have been vaccinated so far. For Herd Immunity, we need at least 50% of Floyd County to be vaccinated, about 36,000 individuals. Measures such as hand hygiene, facial coverings, and social distancing are the most effective strategies to reduce the spread from infected persons to noninfected persons. Therefore, to protect public health and simply save lives, restrictions must be extended to assist in the reduction of COVID-19 transmission, and avoid an increase in new cases.
Click here for more information
New Color-Coded Covid-19 System
November 13, 2020
The State has implemented a color-coded system to inform residents about the status of Covid-19 in each county and across Indiana. Floyd County is currently listed as Orange on https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/, with us only being in the Yellow category last week. Please continue to be diligent with wearing a mask and social distancing!
Large Event Covid-19 Health Form
10/21/2020
In an effort to stop the community spread of Covid-19, the Floyd County Health Department will now require any event with over 250 guests or patrons to complete an application. Applications should be submitted to the Floyd County Health Department at least 72 hours prior to the event. Events include but are not limited to: weddings, concerts, parties, funerals.
Fill out the form (see link below) and submit to one or both of the following email addresses
If approved, you will receive an approval letter. If unsuccessful, FCHD will discuss your issues and assist in planning.
The completed application and approval letter must be posted at all entrances of the venue for guests to review.
ISDH Student/Faculty Return to School Guidelines
8/27/2020
The Indiana Department of Health is updating current guidance when a student or faculty/staff member can return to school due to COVID-19. This response requires being nimble to changing guidelines and recommendations, and more updates are expected in the future. The state health department greatly appreciates your understanding and vigilance.
Covid-19 Back to School Guidelines Introduction
Return to School Decision Tool:
8/12/2020
Below is a guidance tool from ISDH that Floyd County will be using as students and staff begin to return to school this week.
Covid-19 Information Resources
8/3/2020
Beware that there is a lot of misleading and incorrect information being circulated by podcast and Facebook. We want people to have good data, so we are listing these sources that are highly respected by the medical field.
http://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/
Effectiveness of Mask Use/Social Distancing
July 28 2020
Several people have asked about scientific studies discussing the effectiveness of mask use and social distancing, alleging that supportive studies don't exist.
This is not the truth.
For example, an article published in Lancet on June 1, 2020 reviewed 172 observational studies across 16 countries and 6 continents, using comparative studies in healthcare and non-healthcare settings. A review of the data showed clear and convincing evidence that the use of social distancing and mask use reduced the transmission of Covid-19. The investigators concluded that the meta-analysis supported the current guidelines for physical distancing and that the correct use of face masks can reduce the number of infections. A short summary news article can be found at www.contemporarypediatrics.com, posted June 5,2020 by Miranda Hester.
The use of masks is not a civil rights issue or an attempt to control the population. Masks simply reduce the spread of Covid-19. This lowers the numbers of new cases, reduces the mortality rate, and speeds the return to normal education and societal function. Indeed, it has been projected that if 95% of the population wore masks as directed 33,000 lives would be saved in the US by October.
Reference: Chu DK, Aki EA, Duda S et. al., Physical distancing, face masks, and eye protection to prevent person-to-person transmission of SARS CoV-2/ COVID-19. Lancet. June 1, 2020. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(20)31142-9
Floyd County Health Order Number 1-2020: Face Covering Mandate
July 23 2020
The outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to plague our community. In the last four (4) weeks we have seen an increase in cases, despite the current mitigating measures. The State of Indiana has slowed the reopening stages; however, our daily rate of new illnesses continues to rise. There is currently no vaccine to prevent the illness. Measures such as hand hygiene, facial coverings, and social distancing are the most effective strategies to reduce the spread from infected persons to noninfected persons. Therefore, to protect public health and simply save lives, restrictions must be established to assist in the reduction of COVID-19 transmission.
With this understanding, and with the approval of the Floyd County Board of Health, as the Floyd County Health Officer, I hereby order a facial covering mandate, pursuant to Indiana Code 16-20-1 et seq. and 16-41-9 et seq. This order takes affect 00:01 (12:01 AM) EDT 24 July 2020. The order will remain in effect for six (6) weeks, expiring 00:01 (12:01 AM) EDT 11 September 2020. The order may be extended depending on pandemic conditions.
Every individual must wear a facial covering over their nose and mouth when they are at:
- An indoor area open to the public including public transportation
- A private indoor or outdoor area where a social distance of six (6) feet from individuals outside their households cannot be maintained
- An outdoor public area where a social distance of six (6) feet from individuals outside their household cannot be maintained
- An enclosed public space or place of business.
A properly worn facial covering fully covers the individual’s mouth and nose, fits snuggly against the sides of the face with no gaps, is secured to prevent slipping, and allows for breathing with no restrictions. All face coverings that are not disposable should be washed each day before reuse. An adult should supervise the use of facial coverings by children age three (3)-twelve (12) to avoid misuse.
Exceptions to the policy include, but are not limited to:
- Any child age two (2) or less
- Any individual in respiratory distress
- Any individual who is hearing impaired and needs to remove facial coverings to communicate
- Any individual who has been advised, in writing, by a primary care provider that wearing a facial covering is detrimental to the individual’s health
- Any individual who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the facial covering without assistance
- Any individual who is directed to remove a facial covering by a law enforcement officer
- Any employee engaged in work where a face covering would be deemed a hazard by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Any restaurant or bar customer while they are dining
- Any individual not in an area open to the public and where a social distance of six (6) feet can be maintained from non-household members [Ex. A single person private office]
The intent of this order is to provide a safe environment for all people in Floyd County, whether engaged in work, social, or everyday activities, by mandating the use of facial coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. This will protect public health in Floyd County. Nothing in this order reduces or eliminates the requirements imposed by the executive orders by Governor Holcomb or orders from other regulating governmental agencies. This order is intended to be used to educate, encourage, and persuade people to wear facial coverings.
Citizens should continue to use frequent hand washing or sanitizing; maintain a minimum social distance of six (6) feet; avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands; and most importantly, stay home and isolate yourself if you are sick.
Thomas M. Harris MD, FACEP
Floyd County Health Officer
Sports Play Update
June 9 2020
The Floyd County Health Department [FCHD] has received complaints regarding events at the Floyd County Community Club that occurred during the weekend of 7 June 2020. A local pay–to-play team was involved in several games, the results of which were published on the internet. An investigation is on-going. A previous issue regarding the organization was reported to a local Little League organization by the Floyd County Parks Department.
Under the stages plan of Indiana’s reopening, team sport league play may not resume until 14 June 2020. Tournaments involving teams traveling from out of the county cannot start until after 3 July 2020, unless circumstances change as new cases are identified. “Scrimmages” and inter-team events are considered league play and should not occur until after the 14th.
People that attended this event are at a heightened risk for COVID-19. The FCHD recommends that players, coaches, and families practice self-monitoring for the next 2 weeks. If symptoms occur--including fever, chills, cough, diarrhea, muscle aches, and change in taste- please contact your Primary Care Provider or the FCHD for evaluation and testing.
Floyd County has done an excellent job in its community response to the Coronavirus Pandemic. We are enjoying a slow but steady decline in new cases. However, we require the cooperation and compliance of all Floyd County residents to continue this trend and finish the restrictions to business and play.
Procedural Mask Program for Gym and Movie Theater Workers
May 21 2020
The Floyd County Health Department (FCHD) is starting a program to issue procedural masks to Gyms and Movie Theater workers. “We are donating the masks to facilitate a safer resumption of service during the start-up for the State.” said Dr. Tom Harris, Floyd County Health Officer. The FCHD is also working with individual establishments to answer questions and address site specific concerns.
Under the Gym and Movie Theater Mask Program, managers will contact the FCHD at 812-948-4726, ext. 661 and arrange pick-up at 1917 Bono Road, New Albany, Indiana. Managers can also present to the FCHD side door on Friday this week from 8:30am-3:45pm, as well as Tuesday (5/26/20) and Wednesday (5/27/20) from 8:30am until 3:00.
Please contact 812-948-4726 extension 661 for further information if you are a Gym or Movie Theater manager.
FCHD Procedural Masks for Personal Service Workers Program
May 13 2020
The Floyd County Health Department (FCHD) is starting a program to issue procedural masks to Personal Service workers. “We are donating the masks to facilitate a safer resumption of service during the start-up for the State.” said Dr. Tom Harris, Floyd County Health Officer. The FCHD is also working with individual establishments to answer questions and address site specific concerns.
Under the Personal Service Mask Program, managers will contact the FCHD at 812-948-4726, ext. 661 and arrange pick-up at 1917 Bono Road, New Albany, Indiana. Managers can also present to the FCHD side door Thursday and Friday this week from 8:30am-3:45pm, as well as Monday (5/18/20) from 8:30am until noon.
Please contact 812-948-4726 extension 661 for further information if you are a Personal Service manager.
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing - May 16th
May 13 2020
Floyd County Health Department will be conducting a drive-thru COVID-19 testing at Purdue Technology at 3000 Technology Drive, New Albany on Saturday, May 16th from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.
This is a drive-thru testing only. We will not accept any walk-ups or bicycles.
Individuals must be symptomatic to be tested with any of the following symptoms: cough, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, sore throat, diarrhea, or headache. We will also test those who have been in close contact with a COVID-19 patient OR individuals with underlying health conditions OR individuals age 65 or older, OR essential county employees.
*Must bring Driver’s License or State Issued ID and an insurance card (if you have one).
**PLEASE NOTE: At the first stop, you will be screened for symptoms. FCHD staff will take a picture of your identification/insurance card and will take down your information before you proceed for testing.
Guidance for Cleaning and Disinfecting
May 6 2020
These guides are intended for all Americans, whether you own a business, run a school, or want to ensure the cleanliness and safety of your home. Reopening America requires all of us to move forward together by practicing social distancing and other daily habits to reduce our risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19.
State of Indiana Re-Opening Guidelines
May 4 2020
Provided below is the official State document for the upcoming re-opening stages and dates.
Click here to view the current Re-Opening Guidelines
Related Information
Floyd County Health Dept. Announces Isolated Cluster of Cases
April 23 2020
Floyd County Health Department (FCHD) is announcing an isolated cluster of COVID-19 cases at the Providence - A Diversicare Transitional Care Community on Charlestown Road in Floyd County. The facility has tested all consenting patients. There have been over 50 positive tests. Not all of the positive tests are currently symptomatic. Additionally, 13 staff have tested positive for the Novel Coronavirus. There have been five deaths associated with this outbreak. FCHD is identifying this facility due to the number of cases to keep our county informed. FCHD has been involved on-site since the first cases were reported, over three weeks ago. Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) has also made multiple visits to the site.
The FCHD and the ISDH are continuing to work with Providence in a response to the outbreak. The Health Department has been providing additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as in-service training to promote effective use of the PPE. ISDH has also assisted the facility with a Strike Team evaluation and Epidemiological support and analysis.
The facility has responded to input from ISDH and the FCHD with transparency and cooperation. Patients have been moved into areas to facilitate care of positive patients. This is called Cohort Placement. The facility has arranged for extra staff in this area. The facility no longer allows visitors and is screening staff before their shift starts. They reported that they have contacted family members of positive patients. Providence is working to keep patients in their rooms to avoid the spread of disease.
Additionally, they will not be taking new residents for at least the next seven days. The FCHD will continue to monitor and work closely with both Providence and the other nursing homes in our county, as other extended care facilities/nursing homes have reported positive cases.
If additional information is required you can contact the FCHD at (812) 948-4726, or [email protected].
Guidance on child cares remaining open/closing in light of COVID-19 pandemic
March 21, 2020
Child care is an essential service. This means that the operations of child care are necessary to continue to support the function of societal operations.
Click here for more information on Child Care Operations
Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus
Avoid Coronavirus Scams
Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:
- Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores.
- Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
Click here for more information and recommendations from the Federal Trade Commission
Related Scam Information:
- Specific issue related to the $1,000 check rumor: Click Here for more information
- FTC Coronavirus Scam Updates
CDC Recomendations on Social Gatherings
The Center for Disease Control in Atlanta has issued additional information regarding and recommendations social gatherings.
Issued last night, the guidance for cancelling or postponing all events that involve more than 50 people for the next 8 weeks, throughout the United States. Examples of large events and mass gatherings includes conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assembly. The directive does not apply to “the day to day operations of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses.
The objective of this plan is to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in areas already affected by the virus.
Events of any size should only be considered if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines that protect vulnerable populations, allow good hygiene, and comply with social distancing. Virtual events are not affected.
Further information is available at the CDC website www.CDC.gov or by calling the Floyd County Health Department at 812-948-4726.
Thomas M. Harris, MD, FACEP
Floyd County Health Dept.
The Floyd County Health Department Recommends the following:
- Thorough handwashing: washing hands vigorously for 30 seconds using plenty of soap and warm water
- Avoid touching your face: keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
- Stay home if you are ill: allow flexibility for sick staff members to stay home and provide opportunities to work remotely if possible
- Avoid physical contact: instead of shaking hands, practice safer interactions like elbow bumping
- Advise any staff or clients experiencing symptoms to call their provider’s office prior to going in for care
EPA’s List of Registered Disinfectants for Use Against Covid-19
Click here to view List of Registered Disinfectants